Fire-affected Al Tayer Tower opened its doors to more than 2,000 residents by 5pm Wednesday even as more than 400 of them were left homeless as their flats on the 8th and 9th floor were gutted completely.

The security guard of the building takes down details of the tenants on Wednesday.— KT photo by M. Sajjad

Ahmad Aman, manager of the building, told Khaleej Times that the water and electricity connections were already restored, but the cooking gas connection would only be fixed within two to three days.

He said that the company will refund the remaining balance of their contract money for those who want to leave the place. “The insurance will take care of the other losses as we have already submitted our insurance contract to the police. For three days, the police checked one by one the individual flat damage with the residents when they came.

“For those whose flats were not burned down, but things were damaged by the water, the company will clean the flats and will change their furniture and other things,” he said.

Aman said that for three days, the Sharjah Government, Civil Defence and the police assisted the management to restore water and electricity connections and the elevator service. “Thus today, the fourth day after the incident, we are able to welcome back those who have decided to stay. We have been giving out between Dh300 and Dh400 daily for families who are completely left helpless by the fire.”

Many did not welcome this development. Majority, particularly those with expiring contracts, wanted to go and find some other place to live.

Filipinos Ruby Bucud and Jhunavi Bulathsinghalage said that they had been in flat 1301 for a year. “This is a quiet place. We like staying here. But, after the fire, we want to go to another place. I am scared another fire will break out,” Ruby said.

An Indian family, Nyju Gilbert and Jaquiline Paul with their son, Jovian Nyju were among those waiting for the opening of the Al Tayer Tower. But, they have also decided to leave the building.

“We want to leave this building because we are losing money. Anyway, the management will give back 30 per cent of the rent balance. We have been residing here for three years, but now it is not good to continue here,” Nyju said.Owais Mughal with his pregnant wife Sadia were also there, wanting to claim what was due them. “We only received Dh500 from the Sharjah Charity, and nothing from the management,” Sadia said. “I already told the management we are leaving. But, they told me they are arranging now for those who want to stay.